Introduction
Cosmetic breast augmentation has long been a popular procedure for women seeking to enhance their appearance, whether for aesthetic reasons, to restore volume lost due to pregnancy or weight loss, or as part of breast reconstruction. In a bustling metropolis like New York City, patients are fortunate to have access to some of the world's leading hospitals and plastic surgeons. In this article, we will unveil the top five hospitals in New York City for cosmetic breast augmentation, exploring their services, expertise, and what sets them apart.
What is Cosmetic Breast Augmentation?
Cosmetic breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. It typically involves the placement of breast implants, either silicone or saline, under the breast tissue or chest muscles. The procedure can enhance the body contour, balance breast size, and boost self - confidence for many women. There are also non - implant options, such as fat transfer, which is becoming increasingly popular.
Types of Breast Implants
Type of Implant | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Silicone Implants | These implants are pre - filled with a silicone gel. They have a more natural look and feel. | They closely mimic the texture of natural breast tissue. Popular choice, with approximately 84% of breast augmentations in the US in 2020 using silicone implants according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. | Detection of leakage can be more difficult compared to saline implants. Slightly higher cost. |
Saline Implants | These implants are placed in the breast pocket and filled with a saline solution (salt water) during the procedure. | If they rupture, the saline is absorbed by the body. They can be adjusted during the procedure to achieve the desired volume. | They may have a slightly firmer feel compared to silicone implants. In some cases, rippling can be more noticeable. |
The Top Five Hospitals in New York City for Cosmetic Breast Augmentation
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai is renowned for its comprehensive plastic surgery services, including breast augmentation. Their plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing this procedure and use the latest technologies to ensure patient satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Advanced 3D Imaging Technology: Before the surgery, they use 3D imaging to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique body. This allows patients to try on different sizes virtually and make more informed decisions.
- Multiple Treatment Options: They offer both silicone and saline breast implants. Additionally, they have pioneered the naturalfill® technique, which uses a fat transfer to augment the breasts. This two - step procedure involves removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen via liposuction and then injecting it into the breasts.
- Patient Consultation: Surgeons take the time to listen to patients' desires, help them decide on the size and shape that will look best for their body, and explain the entire procedure in detail.
Surgeon Expertise
The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai are highly trained and experienced in breast augmentation. They stay up - to - date with the latest research and techniques in the field to provide the best possible outcomes for their patients.
2. Practice of Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. His practice is known for delivering beautiful, natural results in breast augmentation and other cosmetic surgery procedures.
Services Offered
- Personalized Approach: Dr. Kolker establishes each individual woman's aesthetic goals, distinct to her body type, to attain a proportionate outcome and the most natural results. He takes into account factors such as body contour and desired look when planning the breast augmentation.
- Comprehensive Cosmetic Services: In addition to breast augmentation, his practice offers a wide range of other cosmetic procedures, including facelifts, eyelid surgery, and liposuction. This allows patients to have multiple procedures done under one roof if needed.
- Virtual and In - Person Consultations: His team offers comprehensive consultations both virtually and in person, making it convenient for patients to discuss their options.
Surgeon Credentials
Dr. Kolker's education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. He is also featured in numerous "best doctors" lists, such as New York Magazine's Best Doctors and Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons.
3. Practice of Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon who is committed to patient care and excellent results in breast augmentation.
Services Offered
- Implant Selection Guidance: He works closely with patients to help them choose the right breast implants based on factors such as material, shape, size, and texture. For example, he can advise on the choice between round and anatomical implants and different projections.
- Understand Complications: Dr. Sherman is well - informed about possible complications of breast augmentation, such as BIA - ALCL (breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma) and breast implant illness. He can have in - depth discussions with patients about these risks and how to manage them.
- Customized Treatment Plans: After a thorough consultation, he devises a personalized treatment plan for each patient, taking into account their medical history, anatomy, and aesthetic goals.
Implant Knowledge
Dr. Sherman worked closely with Allergan during the original development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. He has a deep understanding of these implants and can explain all their benefits and features to patients.
4. Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Dr. David P. Rapaport at Rapaport Plastic Surgery is a world - recognized expert specializing in breast augmentation and breast implant revision.
Services Offered
- Scarless Breast Augmentation: Using an endoscope, Dr. Rapaport can perform a scarless breast augmentation through an underarm incision. This technique allows for precise muscle division and implant positioning, minimizing the risk of implant malposition.
- Implant Options: He offers both saline and silicone implants and helps patients determine the best type based on their anatomy and aesthetic goals. Saline implants can be filled after placement, which is suitable for the scarless technique, while silicone implants typically have a more natural look and feel.
- Low Risk of Capsular Contracture: Dr. Rapaport takes every precaution to minimize the risk of capsular contracture, which is when the capsule around the implant contracts and squeezes the implant. His techniques, such as minimizing bleeding and avoiding contamination, have resulted in a very low incidence of this problem among his patients.
Patient Recovery
Full recovery from breast augmentation at Rapaport Plastic Surgery takes approximately two to three weeks. Dr. Rapaport prescribes pain medication for the first few days and provides detailed instructions on post - operative care, including limiting strenuous activity and using ice packs to reduce swelling.
5. Laser Touch Aesthetics
Laser Touch Aesthetics is a well - known clinic in New York City that offers breast augmentation procedures with a focus on patient satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Advanced Technology: They utilize the most advanced and safest laser treatment technologies in other areas of their practice, and this commitment to innovation may also be reflected in their breast augmentation procedures. This could potentially lead to better results and less invasive techniques.
- Personalized Medical Spa Experience: The clinic offers a personal medical spa experience, with utmost care for patients' concerns and questions. This holistic approach to patient care can make the entire breast augmentation process more comfortable for patients.
- High Success Rate: While exact numbers may vary, many patients have reported satisfaction with their breast augmentation results at Laser Touch Aesthetics, which speaks to the skill of their surgeons and the quality of their services.
Patient - Centric Approach
Their first priority is patient satisfaction. They ensure that patients are well - informed about the procedure, its risks, and the expected outcomes, and are available to address any concerns throughout the process.
Considerations When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation
Surgeon Expertise
The skill and experience of the plastic surgeon are crucial. Look for board - certified surgeons who have extensive training in breast augmentation. Check their credentials, patient reviews, and before - and - after photos of their previous work.
Hospital Reputation
Research the hospital's reputation in the field of plastic surgery. A hospital with a long - standing history of successful breast augmentation procedures and high patient satisfaction rates is more likely to provide quality care.
Technology and Techniques
Advanced technologies, such as 3D imaging and the latest implant materials, can lead to better results and a more comfortable patient experience. Ask about the hospital's use of these technologies and the surgical techniques they employ.
Cost and Financing
The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on the hospital, surgeon, type of implants, and other factors. Some hospitals offer financing options to help patients manage the cost. Make sure to understand the total cost and what is included in the price.
Aftercare and Support
Post - operative care is essential for a successful recovery. A good hospital will provide comprehensive aftercare services, including follow - up appointments, pain management, and guidance on post - op activities. Look for hospitals that offer emotional support and counseling services to help patients cope with the psychological aspects of recovery.
Potential Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
While breast augmentation is a relatively common and safe procedure, it is not without risks. Some potential risks and complications include:
- Infection: This can occur at the incision site or around the implant. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever.
- Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery can lead to hematomas, which may require additional treatment.
- Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, which can be temporary or permanent.
- Implant Leakage or Rupture: Both silicone and saline implants can leak or rupture. Silicone leaks may be more difficult to detect, while saline leaks will result in the implant deflating.
- Capsular Contracture: As mentioned earlier, this is when the capsule around the implant contracts and squeezes the implant, causing the breast to feel hard and look distorted.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some women report a variety of symptoms after breast augmentation, such as memory loss, joint pain, and fatigue. The cause of BII is still not fully understood.
It is important for patients to have a thorough discussion with their surgeon about these risks before undergoing the procedure.
Recovery Process after Breast Augmentation
The recovery process after breast augmentation typically takes several weeks. Here is a general overview of what to expect:
Immediate Post - Operative Period
After the surgery, patients will be monitored in the recovery area until they are fully awake from the anesthesia. They may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. A surgical compression bra will be provided to support the breasts and reduce swelling.
First Week
During the first week, patients should rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activities. They may need to take time off work, especially if their job involves physical labor. Suture removal usually takes place about one week after the surgery.
Two to Three Weeks
Most patients can resume light activities, such as going back to work if it is a non - strenuous job. However, strenuous exercise and aerobic activity, including sexual activity, should still be avoided for the first ten days after the surgery. Mild aerobic activity may be permitted after ten days.
Six to Eight Weeks
By this time, swelling should have subsided significantly, and patients can gradually return to more strenuous activities, such as going to the gym. However, it may take several months for the implants to fully settle into place.
Conclusion
New York City offers a plethora of excellent options for women considering cosmetic breast augmentation. The top five hospitals mentioned in this article - Mount Sinai Hospital, the practice of Dr. Adam R. Kolker, the practice of Dr. John E. Sherman, Rapaport Plastic Surgery, and Laser Touch Aesthetics - each bring their own unique strengths, including experienced surgeons, advanced technologies, and comprehensive patient care. When making a decision, it is important to consider factors such as surgeon expertise, hospital reputation, technology, cost, and aftercare. It is also crucial to have a realistic understanding of the potential risks and the recovery process. With careful research and consultation, patients can find the right hospital and surgeon to achieve their desired results and enhance their confidence and quality of life.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to take the next step and schedule a consultation with one of these top - rated hospitals. Discuss your goals and concerns with a qualified plastic surgeon, and they will be able to provide you with personalized advice and a detailed treatment plan.